Ramadan Mubarak!

You can build a future free from fear and bigotry

April 24, 2020

May the peace and blessings of God be upon you. Ramadan Mubarak to you and your family!

The COVID-19 pandemic has jolted us out of our norms and created unprecedented changes in our lives. As Muslims, we know that God will place challenges in front of us -- this pandemic included. God says in the Quran that such tests are the means for us to rise to our best selves.

“And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits and give good news to the patient ones.” (2:155)

As we face this test together, I want to offer my gratitude for your investment in MPAC’s work to ensure representation of and protection for American Muslims and all vulnerable communities. It is only because of you that we are able to do this critical work. This Ramdan, consider making MPAC part of your annual zakat giving.

Not only is your gift supporting the cause of God, but your donation is also an investment towards a future free from fear and bigotry for American Muslims.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, we have directed our mission toward addressing the needs of underserved Americans (you can read about that here). I want to assure you that we are maintaining focus on our core mission, that MPAC improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. This includes advocacy for equitable and just legislation and more authentic portrayals of Muslims, with an eye on the future by training the next generation to become leaders in government and Hollywood.

We’ve been in this fight for 30 years and are leveraging our access, networks, and partners to hold people in power accountable and build a future free from fear and bigotry.

I want to share some highlights of the recent work that you helped fuel:

Our work in Washington, DC ensures that we are present at the decision-making table, our community is represented, and that we are mobilized for the 2020 elections. Through our engagement on the Muslim Ban and Covid-19 response legislation,we are working with policymakers to ensure that no harmful policies are implemented while the country is focused on the pandemic.. We helped draft the NO BAN Act last year to counter all versions of President Trump’s Muslim Ban, and it passed through committee! Introduced by Congresswoman Judy Chu, the No Ban Act makes necessary reforms to existing immigration law and repeals all versions of the Muslim Ban. This is how we build political power for American Muslims.

We are building the pipeline for Muslims to enter Congress and public service through our Congressional Leadership Development Program, with 10 weeks of hands-on experience, coaching, and training on Capitol Hill. This is how we invest in our future.

Our Hollywood Bureau continues to improve stories about Muslims on screen, from consulting on Netflix dramas to Nickelodeon cartoons. We helped talented Muslim screenwriters refine their craft in our 4th screenwriting lab, where they learned directly from leading industry professionals. Along with fellow honorees including ADCOLOR and Disney/ABC, we were inducted into the Advancing Diversity Hall of Honors for our work in creating opportunities for Muslim inclusion in entertainment. This is how we change perceptions of Islam and Muslims in the media.

It was only because of your generosity that we were able to do all of this work. Together, we can ensure that all families will live without fear and bigotry. Creating change is like running a marathon. You can help fuel that race by investing in MPAC this Ramadan.